"IT'S the first time I'm doing it as a full length show... no pun intended," snickers actor Hannah Williams when speaking about her upcoming Melbourne Fringe Festival offering Mercedez Benz ... Awkwardly.

In a chilly performance space down the back of new arts hub Revolt, situated in Kensington’s iconic 19th century Younghusband Factory, Williams tip toes around in six inch black heels and next to nothing in preparation for her role as an exotic dancer.

Williams was inspired to create the show, which looks at the funny side of the world of stripping, after a friend decided to take her clothes off for a living.

The 26-year-old first performed the show last year as a 10 minute act for the annual Short and Sweet Cabaret event, winning the People's Choice Award for her candid snapshot of the scantily clad, sometimes clumsy, at times cringe-worthy, and always charming stripper Mercedes Benz.

"I had a friend who became an exotic dancer for a short time and I always thought it was really fascinating," she says.

"I supported her no matter what, but people changed their attitudes towards her, some of them good, some of them bad. I just became really fascinated with that. That someone’s occupation could change someone's whole perception.

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"We see a lot of it on TV and a lot of it on Underbelly and it's always really scandalous and out there and full on, but I thought maybe there’s actually more to it than just sex, drugs, and rock n roll. I thought maybe there's actually a personal story behind this that needs to be told."

So what did she find when researching the role by collecting real life stories and venturing behind the pole?

"I uncovered that most of it is really hilarious. The girls, they're just funny and inspiring, they're honest and brave. I think there’s a lot of pre-conceived notions that exotic dancers got pregnant when they were 16 and have no teeth and are un-educated and live out in the western suburbs. And that may be true but there’s also a bit more to it. They also could just be girls working at a job that happens to be on King Street."

Williams had never done cabaret before Short and Sweet but has fallen in love with the genre and plans to incorporate it into her future roles.

With Mercedes Benz, she says writing, producing, and performing her own show has made the end product all the more sweeter.

A drama teacher by day at Essendon Keilor College, ironically her former high school, the bubbly performer says the daring role has also given her a chance to try something bold and different.

"It's an outlet. It’s a great role. She's fun. She's honest. She's different. Really intelligent. I suppose it's just an outlet from being a teacher by day and being this exotic dancer when you step on stage. It's just a great escape from everyday life.

"It's exhilarating. At first it’s a little bit nerve racking, but after a while you forget that you're not wearing very much, and that's the whole point of the show. Hopefully the audience can see past the costume, or lack there of, and really listen to the story."

But what will her students think?

"I’m still contemplating whether or not I’m going to invite them. I might invite my older ones, but I don’t know about the year 8's or 9's. I think they'd find it funny for a different reason."

And even though Williams has developed a strong appreciation for women working in the adult industry through the show, she says there’s no plans for a career change.

"I wouldn't be caught dead doing it as a career," she laughs.

"But I'm in admiration of the women that choose to do this career. It's something that I could never do, but I take my hat off to them, no pun intended."

■ Mercedes Benz...Awkwardly is part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival and is on at Revolt, 12 Elizabeth Street, Kensington, from September 22 to October 8.